WASHINGTON-In conjunction with the 14th anniversary of the signing of the military policy banning gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, the Human Rights Campaign has asked the leading Democratic candidates for President, "If you are elected President, what concrete steps would you take to overturn 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell?'" Starting Monday, November 26th and ending on Saturday, December 1, one statement per day will be posted on the HRC Back Story blog at www.hrcbackstory.org. The first statement to be posted is that of former Sen. John Edwards. Statements from Sen. Joe Biden, Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Chris Dodd, Sen. Barack Obama and Gov. Bill Richardson will also be posted.

"Over the course of the next six days, those vying to be our nation's next president will answer a question that has concerned the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community for 14 years-how they plan to dismantle 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'" said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Public opinion polls show that Americans do not support this discriminatory policy, which has served only to dishonor the brave, patriotic service of 12,000 men and women."

HRC is also launching an advertising campaign around the candidates' statements, encouraging the GLBT community to visit www.hrcbackstory.org and learn more about where candidates stand on the issue of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

HRC will also mark the anniversary of the policy's signing by participating in the "12,000 Flags for 12,000 Patriots" display on the National Mall. In partnership with Servicemembers United (formerly Call to Duty), Log Cabin Republicans, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and Liberty Education Forum, HRC will recognize the 12,000 men and women kicked out of the military since the signing of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The tribute will begin on Friday, November 30 and continue through Sunday, December 2.

HRC has produced a video that highlights "Don't Ask, Don't Tell's" consequences and describes the "12,000 Flags" event can be viewed here.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.